$34,356 raised by 100 donors
100% complete
$25,000 Goal
Multiply Your Impact This Colorado Gives Season
Since 1966, the Summit Historical Society has been dedicated to preserving and sharing Summit County’s rich heritage, telling the stories that began long before Colorado became a state. Our collection of more than 8,000 artifacts, including historic buildings, photographs, maps, and diari
es, connects our community to its remarkable past.
This year, your gift goes even further!
💚 The Historical Society Board has pledged a $13,500 Matching Challenge, doubling every dollar donated.
💚 Starting November 1, when you create a new monthly donation, the Colorado Gives Foundation will also match your first monthly gift up to $100, meaning your first monthly gift can go three times as far!
Your contributions will support:
- Preservation of the Collection
- Education & Scholarships
- Community Outreach & Events
- Legacy Giving / Endowment
Your donation ensures that Summit County’s history is preserved, celebrated, and shared for generations to come.Thank you for your support!
Mission, Vision and Values:
Mission: Summit Historical Society's Mission is to collect and preserve, educate and interpret, and engage the community in the rich history of Summit County, Colorado.
Vision: Exploring the past, to better understand the present, and positively influence the future.
Values: Integrity, Stewardship, Passion, Community, Collaboration, Service.
Founded in 1961 after the creation of the Dillon Dam and Reservoir, the Summit Historical Society began with a community effort to preserve Summit County’s history. Incorporated in 1966 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, member organization, the Society continues that mission today.
We preserve five historic structures from the late 1880s to 1930s and maintain an archive of over 8,000 photos, maps, and artifacts. Education is central to our work — through programs, exhibits, and tours in schools, libraries, and community spaces, as well as our eight-book historic series on local towns and railroads.
Guided by a dedicated board, passionate volunteers, and a growing endowment, the Society remains committed to preserving and sharing Summit County’s rich heritage for future generations.
So far in 2025, we have accomplished the following with your support:
- The Old Dillon Schoolhouse and Rice Family Barn were placed on The State Register of Historic Places.
- Historic Landscapes Publication: Six books to date highlighting townsites and ghost towns of Summit County authored by Bill Fountain and Dr. Sandra Mather.
- Community events including boat tours, Dillon Farmers Markets, historic hikes, 6th annual Vintage Baseball Game, Women of Distinction Luncheon, guest speakers, and Summit Historic Park tours.
- Educational programs and scholarships for Summit County students.
Organization name
Summit Historical Society
1966
Tax id (EIN)
84-0590891
Category
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Organization Size
Medium Organization
Address
403 LaBonte Street P.O. Box 143Summit County, CO, US
Denver, CO, US
Grand County, CO, US
Lake County, CO, US
Park County, CO, US